July 31, 2011

It's Buehler's job to lose, though Bailey has edge in numbers so far

Rookie kicker Dan Bailey was asked Sunday morning about going 14-for-14 in the first three days of training camp as he tries to unseat veteran David Buehler.

"It’s going to happen eventually, probably, but it’s been a good start," Bailey said Sunday morning. "I’ve just got to keep plugging away. We’ve still got a long way to go."

Bailey, the Lou Groza Award winner as the nation’s best kicker last season, jinxed himself. On Sunday afternoon, he was wide left on a 48-yard attempt and later hit the right upright and missed from 43. He's now 17-of-19 for training camp.

"You always want to make all your kicks, but like I said, they're not all going to go in," said Bailey, an Oklahoma State product. "When they don't, you go back and look at it and see what you did and move on."

Buehler made only 2-of-5 kicks Sunday, though one was a hurry-up from 58 yards, and he now is 12 of 20. He has been wide left, wide right and short from 35, 38, 41, 44, 34, 58, 38 and 44.

Buehler didn’t exactly didn’t get a vote of confidence from Jones, who said, “I think he can win the job.” Despite that, it’s Buehler’s job to lose, kicking coach Chris Boinol said. Buehler said the same, but knows he'll have to perform better to keep the job.

“Dan’s a great kicker,” Buehler said. “I knew when he got signed he was going to be stiff competition. Competition brings the best out of you, and it forces you to put them through the pipes.

“He’s doing a good job. …I just have to go out there and prove I can get the job done.”

Buehler's job to lose? Are you serious? He is still missing 30 yard, chip shot field goals whereas Bailey is knocking every one of his kicks thru the uprights. Bailey wins already!! Cut Beuhler right this minute!!